There was an exchange of fire between a KZN Wildlife ranger patrol and smugglers some 2 weeks back in the Cathedral Peak area. The suspected smugglers were heading up to the escarpment and were challenged by the patrol. The smugglers immediately fled. Two stopped and opened fire on the patrol with a handgun and a shotgun. The ranger patrol returned fire, fatally wounding the man with the shotgun.

As for the report about hikers being shot at, there is still nothing confirmed about this, and I suspect that this was simply misinformation about the event described above.

Can divulge that no hikers were involved in any shootouts in this area during this time. There was a shootout, and there were casualties, but it was apparently guilty parties who were on the wrong side of the border who were picked up by the SAP helicopter together with some hikers stranded on a ledge in the same area.... More than that I am not at liberty to divulge, apart from to say that if you see smugglers or apparent smugglers, keep away and don't try to antagonise them as some of them are armed.

Lets all help maintain the values for which the Berg was proclaimed a World Heritage Site

Haven't quite decided if it will be on the Easter weekend, or soon after, but will also be heading for the Bell Traverse, but starting and ending from the Mweni.

Please take care on the roads guys! And anyone headed for Tugela Falls on the Amphitheatre please be extra vigilant against theft...I'm sure the shepherds up there are looking forward to many guests over the Easter period.